Politics & Government

Election Preview: Greendale Village Board

Three candidates are running for two seats on the Greendale Village Board in the April 2 election.

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Three candidates are vying for two seats on Greendale Village Board in the April 2 election.

Incumbents Carl Genz and Ronald Barbian and newcomer Jason Cyborowski are running for the three-year terms on the board. (Click on link for biographical information on each candidate). The salary is $5,561 per year.

To provide residents with the most information about the election, Patch asked the candidates their views on the key issues facing the village. Here, in their own words, are the candidates' answers to those questions.

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Why are you running for Village Board? Barbian As a current member of the Village Board many initiatives have succeeded but many challenges are still ahead of the community. I believe I am qualified to be part of the leadership group that guides Greendale into the future. As a lifelong resident of the Village, I believe my past accomplishments will enable me to continue to be a part of guiding the Village for the next three years. I have been a volunteer and a leader for over 20 years in many Village and School groups, organizations and youth activities. I understand the unique qualities and history that make Greendale such a great place to live.
Cyborowski

I feel it is time for the younger generation to step up and get involved in growing and preserving the Village. My plan is for my children to grow up in Greendale, go to the schools, and be active and involved in the many wonderful aspects of our community. I want to be apart of the continued economic growth and preserving the historic value and reputation of Greendale for years to come.

Genz

I realize this recession has hurt a lot of Greendale residents. Some my have had their hours or wages cut. Some may have lost their jobs all together. We also can never forget many of our "seasoned" citizens are on fixed incomes. We are all in this together. I hope the voters of Greendale will re-hire me to continue my efforts to minimize the amount we pay for Village taxes.

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What is the biggest issue facing the village, and how would you address that issue, if elected? Barbian As in past years, the biggest issue is to keep the Village in a strong financial position. Many communities are struggling with this in the current environment. Greendale has always and continues to be a leader in sound financial management. This comes from the Village Manager, his department heads and the Village Board always being focused on what is best for the Village's long-term stability. Initiatives to increase costs are looked at carefully and weighed against the future benefits. For instance, an example of this would be the addition of paramedic units to Greendale. The benefits out-weighed the initial cost, and future revenue off the paramedic units would pay for the expense. I have been involved with leading financial stability for the past six years as a trustee.
Cyborowski

With the rising cost of everything in today's society, we need to continue to grow the Village of Greendale's economic position. One way to do this is by improving the Greendale Industrial Business Park which will improve the Village's tax base. Another way is to continue growth around Southridge Mall with more business and residential property.

Genz

Taxes, keeping them as low as possible without sacrificing Village services.

How can the village hold the line on property taxes while continuing to provide the same level of services and programs to residents? Barbian As a trustee I have been a part of accomplishing this very difficult task. In the last year, the Village part of the tax rate increased by 0.8 percent. Over the six years I have been a trustee, it has averaged less than a 2% increase with no reduction in quality of service that the residents of Greendale expect. The budget is examined in a line by line view by the trustees in order to understand where costs are and what future needs will be. As a member of the finance committee we again view any expenditure as part of the overall budget. By doing this we have not reduced resident services in any regards and have been able to maintain our quality employees that deliver the high service standards we as residents expect.
Cyborowski

With improving the businesses in Greendale between 76th St., the Village Center, and the Industrial Business Park, we can hold the line on property taxes and still preserve the high quality of life that makes Greendale an amazing place to call home.

Genz

By continuing to use new techniques for the delivery of all Village services. Challenge the department heads to continue to find even more efficiencies in their departments.

Now that Walmart is built and open, and Southridge improvements are well underway, what's the next "big thing" you'd like to see in terms of development within the village? Barbian Even though Southridge and the surrounding area are well underway as you indicated, many opportunities still exist in this area. There are several parcels and out lots to be looked at. We will need to stay focused as opportunities present themselves. There is not a single "big thing" we need to focus on. The board should look at the industrial park for opportunities and of course the Village center must remain viable as it's the icon of Historical Greendale. Cyborowski

The revitalization of the 76th Street corridor has been fantastic but there is still a ways to go. Continuing to improve 76th Street is important but also improvement is needed in the Greendale Industrial Business Park.

Genz

Continue to search for suitable re-development plans for the remaining vacant parcels at Southridge. Continue to develop new ways to improve the business climate in the Village Center. Work with business owners on improving the Greendale Business Park.

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